Recipe for a happy life

Editor's note: Consolidated Cooperative member Mary Rodman shares her thoughts on how to find the joys of life. Mrs. Rodman is a Christian author and speaker. You can read more from her at www.maryrodman.com.

It is the little things in life that make a huge difference in our hearts. A hug from a child, a spouse, or a friend. Settling in with a good book in the morning sunshine. A few quiet moments with God in the middle of the day. Sometimes it is showering your friends with an unexpected homemade treat. When life gets super busy, we often miss the moments of splendor, which seem insignificant in the day-to-day struggles. We forget to look at the flowers in bloom, or to take an evening walk. On the rainy days we sulk, instead of anticipating the rainbow which is about to emerge when the sunshine returns. Our lives can be in turmoil, or even under construction as God pulls at our heart strings to make a change, to see Him more, or to be with Him more. In those moments, look for the small blessings which surround you! Listen to the birds in the morning sun. Read a good book. Journal your thoughts. Thank God for the blessings in your life, which you have not previously acknowledged. Most importantly — watch for the rainbow following the storm, because it is a symbol that God will always keep His promises. Your rainbow may not be a physical rainbow in the sky, but a moment in time which makes you smile. All too often we miss these golden opportunities in life. These are the moments which lift our spirits and make life beautiful. If you are surrounded by troubles, or having a humdrum day, search for God, and bask in His presence. It doesn’t have to be an earth-shattering moment to acknowledge His existence. He is everywhere, all the time, simply waiting for you to say hello. 

O God, you are my God; 
I earnestly search for you. 
My soul thirsts for you; 
my whole body longs for you 
in this parched and weary land 
where there is no water. 
(Psalm 63:1) 

rainbow